Self-styled godman Rampal, defying appearance before HC

Chandigarh : Defying non-bailable warrants issued against him, self-styled godman Rampal is not likely to appear before the Punjab and Haryana High Court Monday.

A spokesman of the sect leader’s Satlok Ashram in Haryana’s Barwala town said Monday morning that the godman was not medically fit to appear before the high court in Chandigarh.

“His medical condition does not permit him to go out. Doctors have advised him bed-rest till Nov 19. We will submit his medical certificate in the court,” the ashram spokesman said.

Tension prevailed outside the ashram complex since Sunday as hundreds of security personnel surrounded the complex but thousands of followers of the sect leader provided a shield to the ashram by camping outside.

Rampal, who is facing charges of murder conspiracy and inciting mobs, was asked to appear before the high court. He has failed to appear before the high court thrice.

The high court last week directed Haryana Police and state authorities to arrest and bring him (Rampal) before the court. The high court bench said that Rampal should be “smoked out even if he is hiding in a bunker”.